Guidelines for Adults over Age 65

The National Institutes of Health recommends the following medical screenings, tests and checkup schedule:

Exams

Have a yearly physical exam.

Visit the dentist every year.

Have an eye exam every 2 years and make sure you are tested for glaucoma.

Have your hearing tested every year.

Blood pressure screening

Have your blood pressure checked every year.

If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be watched more closely.

Cholesterol screening

If your cholesterol level is normal, have it rechecked every 3-5 years.

If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.

Colon cancer screening

Guidelines call for a stool test every year, a colonoscopy every 10 years or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. If you have risk factors for colon cancer, you may need a colonoscopy more often. Discuss with your doctor.

Immunizations

Get a pneumococcal vaccine if you have never had before, or if you received one at age 60 or younger.